Workers at a canal unearth massive tortoise posing potential hazard
Headline: Giant "Monster" Turtle Unearthed in Kellinghusen: A Beast from Prehistoric Times
There's a chilling tale brewing in the quaint North German town of Kellinghusen, where workers on a canal project stumbled upon a creature that would give nightmares. Buried deep in the mud and debris, a formidable, potentially dangerous, 12-kilogram turtle emerged during the cleaning operation. According to Christian Erdmann, the manager of the Wild Animal and Species Protection Center in Sparrieshoop, this monster of the deep may have been released into the Stoer River. He affectionately named it Gabi.
"In this part of the world, keeping such dangerous creatures isn't allowed," Erdmann warned. Just about a year prior, a hiker encountered a similar beast in Baden-Württemberg, prompting authorities to issue dire warnings about the snapping turtle's ability to injure humans and animals due to its strong biting force.
Fun Fact: Snapping turtles are so powerful that they can even snap through a broomstick. For them, a human finger is about the same challenge as a pretzel is for us. Scary, right?
At the Sparrieshoop wildlife station, a secure pond enclosure for exotic aquatic turtles has been established. Gabi can dwell there comfortably until it finds a new home. With an abundance of food in the Stoer, like fish, crabs, snails, and even the occasional duck, who knows how long Gabi has been living there, undetected?
Curious about these gargantuan, prehistoric-looking creatures? The giant snapping turtle, measured by a shell length of 60 to 70 centimeters and a weight of up to 100 kilograms, hails from the southeastern United States. Their distinct humped backshell, skin folds around their neck and head, and crocodile-like tail make them look like leftovers from an era gone by.
Important Note: Respect these magnificent beasts from afar – they may be acquainted with our past, but we're far from their equals in the wild. Handle with care!
Source: ntv.de, sba/dpa
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Animals
- The following subheadings are added: "New Home for Gabi in Schleswig-Holstein" and "Fascinating Facts About Snapping Turtles".
- Gabi, the giant 12-kilogram turtle from Kellinghusen, is currently residing at a secure pond enclosure for exotic aquatic turtles in Schleswig-Holstein's Wild Animal and Species Protection Center in Sparrieshoop.
- Schleswig-Holstein is not only home to Gabi now but is also known for its rich environmental-science programs, making it a fitting location for the care of this exotic creature.
- Researchers and environmental-science students in Schleswig-Holstein can continue to study and learn about snapping turtles, as Gabi is a unique example of the species.
- In the realm of sports, Schleswig-Holstein houses numerous mixed-martial-arts gyms and trainers who might be intrigued by Gabi's powerful, snapping jaw reminiscent of some striking techniques in mixed-martial-arts competitions.
